Report finds B.C. unprepared for growth of shale gas development

The report looked into the impacts of shale gas extraction on water resources in B.C.

Because hydraulic fracturing usually requires a large amount of water, it depletes water resources, as well as contaminating the water in the process. The report also found that there are potential surface and sub-surface contamination risks.

To address these concerns, the Institute made many recommendations.

- Advertisement -

These include requiring licenses for all ground water withdrawals. Currently, oil and gas companies and required to optain permits for water source wells, while others are not. The report says this means companies can make arrangements with those other users to access water without government oversight.

Pembina also recommends requiring companies to publicly disclose what chemicals and additives they use in fracturing. Currently, B.C. does not require this practice. The report argues the public has a right to this information.

In addition, the report recommends conducting an independent audit of all oil and gas water use in B.C., suggesting consulting companies on actual water use and disposal. Pembina wants to assess the accuracy of current reports as well as better understand the scope and scale of water access arrangements.

To read the rest of Pembina's findings and recommendations, consult the report attached below.

Author

Erica is a reporter for Moose FM and energeticcity.ca in Fort St. John, B.C. She grew up in Victoria, B.C. and received her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.

The latest local news, sports and community events from Fort St. John and the communities of the North Peace. Plus we cover news from Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Tumbler Ridge and Fort Nelson.